Les Robertson
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 3,565
Ok guys, lots of unrealistic predicitions.
Fisrt the liner lock is not going to decline. It will improve and continue to be the main lock used on folding knives.
Second, do not look for an increase in use of exotic steels. Why, cost and time. Many makers can work exotic steels, but the extra $80 to $120 for the blade will keep 90% of knife buyers from purchasing these knives.
ATS-34 is still king, dont get me wrong, its not my favorite either. BG-42 will be slow to evolve mostly due to availability. Until Latrobe ( the primary producer of BG-42 in the US) starts to carry 1/8" stock as a standard item makers will be slow to use it.
But make no mistake BG-42 is going to replace ATS-34. Also, dont forget, alot of makers have a pretty good supply of ATS-34 on hand. They are going to use this up before they switch.
Third, bead blast blades are not going anywhere, why, this is an efficient way of finishing blades. Dont like bead blasted blades, order your knife with a satin finish.
The top three knives to look for in 99 are:
Tactical Fixed Blades. Check out the cover of the issue of Tactical Knives that comes out in February. The LDC F5 series will be on the cover!
Damascus Folders, Mosiac steel, gold pins and screws, pearl, Ivory and other natural materials for the handle and yes they will have liner locks, but no clips! Price range $700 -$1,500
Tactical Custom Double Action and Single Action autos. Price range of $550 - $700.
Tactical Folders will continue to be hot as ever.
The custom knife market is a slow moving market. This is due in large part to the amount of lead time the magazines need. For instance the things you read in Tactical Knives generally were submitted 4 - 6 months before. This is the reality of a magazine that comes out every other month. Also, problems with materials as the aforementioned BG-42. It took a couple of years for titanium and carbon fiber to become the "Standard" materials used in tactical knives.
Those of you who want exotic materials and differnt locks are on the forward edge. The way to get the makers to that edge with you is give them your orders.
The custom knife market is experiencing a "changing of the guard". The makers who started and made custom knives what they are today are staring retirement in the face. The next generation will be the ones to continue to push the envelope utilizing some of the ideas you all have mentioned.
Additionally, custom knives are entering into a renissance period, never has there been so many different makers with such a diverse back grounds making knives.
It is a wonderful time to be a custom knife buyer/collector/user!
------------------
Les Robertson
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Fisrt the liner lock is not going to decline. It will improve and continue to be the main lock used on folding knives.
Second, do not look for an increase in use of exotic steels. Why, cost and time. Many makers can work exotic steels, but the extra $80 to $120 for the blade will keep 90% of knife buyers from purchasing these knives.
ATS-34 is still king, dont get me wrong, its not my favorite either. BG-42 will be slow to evolve mostly due to availability. Until Latrobe ( the primary producer of BG-42 in the US) starts to carry 1/8" stock as a standard item makers will be slow to use it.
But make no mistake BG-42 is going to replace ATS-34. Also, dont forget, alot of makers have a pretty good supply of ATS-34 on hand. They are going to use this up before they switch.
Third, bead blast blades are not going anywhere, why, this is an efficient way of finishing blades. Dont like bead blasted blades, order your knife with a satin finish.
The top three knives to look for in 99 are:
Tactical Fixed Blades. Check out the cover of the issue of Tactical Knives that comes out in February. The LDC F5 series will be on the cover!
Damascus Folders, Mosiac steel, gold pins and screws, pearl, Ivory and other natural materials for the handle and yes they will have liner locks, but no clips! Price range $700 -$1,500
Tactical Custom Double Action and Single Action autos. Price range of $550 - $700.
Tactical Folders will continue to be hot as ever.
The custom knife market is a slow moving market. This is due in large part to the amount of lead time the magazines need. For instance the things you read in Tactical Knives generally were submitted 4 - 6 months before. This is the reality of a magazine that comes out every other month. Also, problems with materials as the aforementioned BG-42. It took a couple of years for titanium and carbon fiber to become the "Standard" materials used in tactical knives.
Those of you who want exotic materials and differnt locks are on the forward edge. The way to get the makers to that edge with you is give them your orders.
The custom knife market is experiencing a "changing of the guard". The makers who started and made custom knives what they are today are staring retirement in the face. The next generation will be the ones to continue to push the envelope utilizing some of the ideas you all have mentioned.
Additionally, custom knives are entering into a renissance period, never has there been so many different makers with such a diverse back grounds making knives.
It is a wonderful time to be a custom knife buyer/collector/user!
------------------
Les Robertson
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com